James Edward Ruschmeier

James Edward Ruschmeier, age 85 of Aitkin died Wednesday, August 21, 2019 at the Riverwood Health Care Center in Aitkin, Minnesota.

James was born April 6, 1934 at Glencoe, Minnesota the son of Ernie and Lillian (Telthorster) Ruschmeier. He attended schools in Plato, Mn. until the age of 13 when his family moved to Aitkin where he continued his education graduating from the Aitkin High School in 1952. He started working for International Harvester while in high school and continued after. He worked as a mechanic and parts man for International Harvester, Johns Deere, and the Aitkin Iron Works. He married Gail Miller on May 7, 1955 at the Methodist Church in Crosby. James and his wife Gail worked as custodians at St. Johns Lutheran Church for almost 50 years. They also did custodial work over the years for Aitkin County Growth, the Aitkin County Court House and the old Aitkin Municipal building. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, bowling and spending time with his family. He also enjoyed watching the Twins and Vikings. He also loved doing his scratch offs. He was a member of St. Johns Lutheran Church in Aitkin.

He is survived by his wife Gail Ruschmeier of Aitkin; Sons: Brian Ruschmeier of Minneapolis, Jeff (Kelli Bayliss) Ruschmeier of Aitkin, Daughters: Linda (Danny Levercom) Ruschmeier of St. Paul, Cindy (Bob Priem) Ruschmeier of Aitkin, Julie (Rodney Lemire) Ruschmeier of Aitkin; Brothers: Earl Ruschmeier of Norwalk, Calf., Ernie (Evyone) Ruschmeier Jr. of Aitkin, Sisters: Jean Risnes and Ilo Kyar; Grandchildren: Kyle Priem, Chelsey Priem, Roger Goff III, Amanda (Scott Boettcher) Lemire , Tony Lemire; Step Grandchildren: Misty Bayliss, Amber Bayliss, Matt Bayliss, Danny Levercom Jr., Ashley Levercom; Great Grandchildren: Tucker Priem and Jack Olson, Sister in law Loretta Ruschmeier of Isle and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents Ernie and Lillian Ruschmeier, Brothers Hank Ruschmeier and Allan Ruschmeier and Sister in law Cleo Ruschmeier.

A memorial service will be held Thursday, August 29, 2019 at 11 AM from St. Johns Lutheran Church in Aitkin with Rev. David Becker officiating. Visitation will be from 10 AM until the 11 AM services. Arrangements are with the Sorensen-Rot-Thompson Funeral Home and Cremation Services in Aitkin.

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